Experience two Good Friday processions in a single day: Quito’s homage to Jesus del Gran Poder in the morning and early afternoon and then to Alangasí to observe the Ceremonia de Desprendemiento (Deposition of Christ) that includes their infamous diablos (devils).

Jesus del Gran Poder of Quito is a stark procession of purple-robed penitents that takes place each year on Good Friday. Thousands of Quiteños gather to take part in the procession, many watching until the very end and then joining the march to its final stop at the San Francisco Plaza, usually in the mid-afternoon. 

The Ceremonia de Desprendemiento in Alangasí begins in the late afternoon. After sunset, the entire town joins a candlelit procession as the faithful carry Jesus to his place of rest so that he may later be resurrected on Easter Sunday. This event includes Los Diablos, men who wear intricately designed masks in brilliant red and dark black, with curved horns.

Local guide, Jacqueline "Jacquie" Granda invites you to see these events as a Quiteño might. Her local connections guarantee an exciting day and evening full of authentic experiences!

Please see our detailed itinerary below.

This guided experience includes an introduction to local traditions, the best available viewing of the procession, and a flexible schedule that will allow Jacquie to provide a rich experience based on the activities of the day. If you would like, Jacquie can also arrange a traditional Good Friday meal for lunch. More below.

Morning pick-up after breakfast at your hotel near Historic Quito at about 9 am. If you are located elsewhere, we will need to arrange for a meeting place closer to the activities.

Stroll through the Historic Center as crowds begin to gather for the procession, taking the opportunity to learn about traditions related to Holy Week while passing many of the colonial churches in the sector. This is also an opportunity to enjoy some street food if you are game!

If crowds allow, the morning will include a walk through San Francisco Plaza, where the procession begins before heading to the Basilica del Voto Nacional where Jacquie has arranged a prime viewing location from inside the church grounds.

The walk from your hotel to the Basilica is about 1.5 kilometers, slightly uphill. 

It is important to arrive at the Basilica before the procession begins at around 12 noon. Early arrival will allow for ample time to explore the inside of this modern Gothic cathedral. If you are up to the challenge of climbing a few sets of stairs, touring the upper towers and the steeple will afford excellent views of the city, including San Francisco Plaza. 

Before the procession begins, you will take your assigned spots that will afford an excellent view of the procession. If you would like to take photos, bring a camera with a zoom lens to allow for the best shots. 

At about 2 pm, the procession should finish passing. As with all events like these, being flexible about start and end times makes for the best experience! 

After the procession, Jacquie can arrange for a traditional Good Friday meal to finish by 3:30 pm when you will return to the hotel for a short rest. Alternatively, you can decide to skip a formal lunch and have more time on your own for the afternoon. 

About 4:30 pm, Jacquie will return to take you to Alangasí, about a 45-minute drive from the historic center. Arriving before sunset will guarantee time to find a good location to observe the festivities. The official procession begins at about 6:30 pm. This is a less-crowded event than Jesus del Gran Poder and you will likely not see many other international tourists.

Jacquie will take you back to your hotel in the evening after the procession.